All of my photography sessions are paid in two parts. To book your session and secure your date, you will pay a nonrefundable deposit of $200. After your session, you will receive a link to a private online viewing gallery of your proofs. There will be at least 25 proofs. From there, you will choose which collection you would like to purchase. Your $200 is applied towards the collection price and the remaining balance is due after you've seen your proofs. For more thorough information about newborn portrait pricing, click here.

When should I book my newborn session?

It is recommended that you book your newborn session while you are still pregnant, preferably in your second trimester. Newborn photography sessions are easiest to complete before your baby is 2 weeks old, but I've also done many beautiful portrait sessions for newborn babies over 2 weeks old. I try my best to fit in last minute sessions, so if you have already had your baby or are due very soon, let me know and I'll see if we can schedule a session for you.

How do you schedule the session if I don't know exactly when my baby will be born?

When you book your session, you are holding a spot for the month of your due date. I book a certain number of sessions per month. Doing this gives us flexibility to schedule your session once your baby arrives. To schedule your session, you can give me a call or have a family member contact me to schedule your session. I'm usually able to offer several dates as options for your session.

Where are newborn sessions done?

You have the choice of having a session done in your own home or coming to my home studio. There is a price difference between the two options and there are benefits to each. Home sessions are convenient, particularly when there are older siblings or when you want candid family portraits done inside your house or on your property. Home sessions, however, are a simplified version of the studio session and there won't be quite as much variety when it comes to backdrops and props, simply because I'm not able to bring everything with me. Studio sessions are beneficial because you don't need to worry about cleaning, making room for equipment, or warming up your house. Studio sessions allow for much more variety of poses and backdrops. I've also found that studio sessions work more efficiently and take less time.

When are newborn sessions done?

The actual photography session is scheduled for when the baby is about 7-14 days old. Almost all newborn sessions begin around 9:30 or 10:00 in the morning. The exception would be outdoor newborn sessions, which can also be scheduled for early evening.

What areas do you service?

I live in Fuquay Varina, NC, but I also service Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Holly Springs, and surrounding towns. In-home sessions can be scheduled for up to 15 miles from my home, which covers most of the southern half of Wake County and even into a few of the counties south of Wake.

Can my husband and I be in some pictures? What about our other children?

Absolutely! I highly encourage you to participate in the session. This is YOUR portrait session and I plan it around your needs. I will never charge extra fees for parents, grandparents, siblings, or twins. Even your family dog can participate in a few portraits. It is usually best to photograph siblings at the end of a session because they tend to wake up the baby. Plan on wearing simple clothing. Solid, light or neutral colors look very nice. Patterns can look nice as long as they aren't too bold or busy.

Do I need to have outfits picked out for my baby?

The most beautiful portraits of newborn babies show off their adorable little features, so most portraits are made either naked or swaddled. Traditional clothes, even newborn size, are often baggy and distracting for portraits. In addition, clothing styles change constantly, so clothes can take away from the timeless, classic look of your portraits. Some families do prefer to have a simple outfit of their own picked out for the family portrait portion of the session.

What happens if my baby has an accident?

Don't worry at all about pee or poop during your newborn session. It happens at almost every newborn portrait session and I am prepared for it. Every single item I bring that touches the baby has been washed in a dye-free, fragrance-free soap. I wash everything after every session, whether it has pee on it or not.

Are you vaccinated against pertussis? What about the flu?

Yes, I am vaccinated against both pertussis (whooping cough) and the flu. I have discussed with my doctor that I handle newborn babies as part of my work and she has made sure to give me all recommended vaccines to protect my tiny clients. In addition, if I become ill or anyone in my family is ill, I will let you know and will reschedule the session so that we can keep your little one healthy. I am also adamant about thoroughly washing my hands before handling your baby.

How can I find out about special promotions or your referral program?

The best way to find out about upcoming promotions is to join the email list. You can get on the email list here. I send out a newsletter about once a month (very rarely more than that). I also have a great referral program to help you earn credits towards future sessions. Information about my referral program can be found here.

If you have any other questions about newborn sessions, please feel free to send me an email or give me a call. I can be reached at (919) 346-4723 or erica@ericacourtinephotography.com